Preventive dentistry is the modern way of reducing the amount of dental treatment necessary to maintain a healthy mouth and so help avoid the traditional pattern of fillings and extractions.

The two major causes of tooth loss are decay and gum disease and the better we prevent or treat these problems the more likely you are of keeping your teeth for life.

By regularly visiting a dentist and hygienist you will help to keep you mouth in good health and even prevent the need for more extensive and costly dental treatments.

Preventive dentistry will benefit everyone; even people who do not have any teeth can also benefit because conditions such as mouth cancer and denture stomatitis can be spotted during regular dental check-ups and then treated.

At your dental check-up your dentists will assess your teeth and gums and discuss with you any treatment you may need. The main aim of regular dental check-ups and hygienists appointments is to keep your mouth healthy as in a healthy mouth it is less likely that tooth decay or gum disease will become a problem.

Your dentist and hygienist will most likely discuss with you the best oral care products and methods of brushing and flossing your teeth in order to remove the bacterial plaque which forms continually on your teeth and gums. They may also discuss diet and habits such as drinking and smoking.

If you smoke you may need to visit your dentist and hygienist more often as smoking will increase the risk of gum disease, tooth loss and mouth cancer. If you want to avoid these problems the best advice is to give up smoking.

For more advice on how preventive dentistry can help to keep your teeth and gums in great health,contact our patient care team and book an appointment with one of our dentists.

Top Tips for a Healthy Mouth

• Brush twice a day for 2 minuets with fluoride toothpaste to remove plaque, as plaque is the main cause of tooth decay and gum disease.
• Use a small to medium size toothbrush, with soft to medium multi-tufted, round-ended nylon bristles or electric tooth brush.
• Use small circular movements to clean your teeth, whilst concentrating on the areas area where teeth meet gums.
• Worn-out toothbrushes cannot clean your teeth properly and may damage your gums. It is important to change your toothbrush every two to three months, or sooner if the filaments become worn.
• Use dental floss or tape to remove plaque from between your teeth and under your gumline. If plaque is not removed daily, it can harden into tartar-an unsightly, hard yellow build-up of bacteria and cause gum disease to progress.
• If necessary use disclosing tablets to help identify areas of the mouth which require more attention.
• Limit the amount of sugary or starchy foods and drinks, especially sticky snacks between meals.
• Prevention is the best cure, so visit your dentist regularly for checkups and the dental hygienist for professional cleaning.